– System of a Down is back together! They just announced a European summer tour for 2011.

– I’ve been listening to a lot of post-rock recently, hence I found plenty of quality bands. My biggest recommendation: And So I Watch You From Afar. Brilliant stuff.

– Brussels, here I come! 2 more days until a well deserved vacation – that will include seeing Disturbed and Papa Roach live.

– One more episode until season 1 of The Walking Dead is over. And what a season it has been.

– After a shaky start (despite the brilliant first ep), Dexter seems to be back at full speed. I still can’t stand Julia Stiles, I find her completely inexpressive, but everything else is top notch. Loved this weekend’s episode.

– The Oscars just announced Anne Hathaway and James Franco will host the ceremony. Wouldn’t it be cool if Franco would give the best actor award to himself? By the way, I still stand by my pick: The Social Network for best movie.

Because it’s unique. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and television really needed something fresh.

Because of the talent involved. Frank Darabont, anyone? The guy is an amazing filmmaker, and his creative touch, as producer, writer and sometimes director, is felt throughout the show.

Because the comics are outstanding: dark, gloomy, intense, and not afraid to kick you in the nuts when you’re least expecting. If the show stays true to the source material, be prepared for dark days.

Because of the look. “The Walking Dead” seems made for cinema, not for TV. The producers really made sure the show looks like a theatrical experience all the way.

Because it oozes professionalism from every single frame. From the directing, to the writing, to the acting, this is top notch television throughout. The first 3 episodes are filled with so many intense, unforgettable moments, you will have the urge to watch each episode again, as soon as it’s finished. I know I do.

Because it’s on AMC, a small TV channel that managed to beat HBO, Showtime, and everybody else, in terms of quality of their TV shows. Don’t believe that? Check out the commercial and critical success of their other efforts, Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

And, most of all, because this is not actually a simple zombie show. It’s a character drama set in a world filled with zombies. Character development seems to be way ahead of mindless action, and that surprised me in the most pleasant way. It’s more about these believable characters trying to hold on to their humanity, rather than about trying to survive mindless zombie attacks.

The first season is halfway through, and the second season has already been greenlit. My suggestion: jump in the bandwagon, while there’s still room. You will not regret it.

October was so awesome and crazy, that not only I didn’t have time or mood to write anything, but also I failed miserably on my attempt to watch the 31 horror films I was planning to. Anyway – I’ll try and post more from now on, especially since winter movie season is just around the corner, with so many interesting new releases, just before the awards season.

Meanwhile, a couple of random thoughts:

– if you wanna bet on the Oscar winner right now, put your money on The Social Network.

– The Walking Dead is beyond awesome. Darabont’s zombie TV show kicked off in impressive fashion, set audience records, and is shaping up to be a huge phenomenon. Don’t miss it.